I guess they are just looking to demean others and make excuses for their inability to win or something.
Or win gracefully.
That is also a problem (to a lesser extent, in my view...but it is there).
That's just it dog, it isn't to a lesser or greater extent, but peeps always seem to think it is coming from the other side. I have played for both the coalition and alliance so far during the GW series and am pretty split in general over the years as to which side I have been on. And the folks from both sides are pretty much the same. Each side is largely made up of great guys that just like to play and have fun, but there always seems to be a general lack of understanding as to the other sides perspective. Which is why I made the counter point as to your implication that it was whining and poor sportsmanship on the losing (and therefore Alliance) side that was at issue. I wasn't even sure you were conscious of the implied bias in your post until this one, and I don't hold it against you as it is only natural to identify and sympathize with the folks you spend more time playing with.
I consider you one of the more level head and open-minded statesman in the game, so when I see you make a post that is apparently a non-partisan call for mutual understanding, I am somewhat taken back to see it contain a partisan slight or dig at the other side (consciously or not). It seems to reinforce the general sense of distrust and overly competitive spirit that has griped many players from both sides of the fence. It is just a bit depressing to see those types of sentiments being expressed by those that I consider to be the most open-minded and reasonable among us, as it doesn't bode well for the sentiments and negative feelings probably being held by the rest. Which is a real shame considering we are all pretty much the same on both sides. It just seems we are unable to empathize with anyone but our fellow teammates, which continually leads to hard feelings and pointless misunderstandings as to the other guys intents and motives. Maybe it is just that having never been part of the Fed/Klingon rift plus being a bit of a race whore has allowed me to gain a different perspective, but I am constantly amazed by the general lack of trust and immediate assumption that the other side is up to no good that emanates from both sides. Which is so ironic considering they are both made up of pretty much the same types of individuals, both good and bad but largely good natured and affable. It is a shame that more folks don't mix it up and get to know the guys and gals they have been playing this game with and against for years.
Heh...I think I haven't made myself clear. You'll be happy to know that you have misread my point completely. I show no and mean no bias at all. I was mainly talking about PvP sportsmanship, Kroma. The BS comments people make in those things...whining about what other people are flying and stuff...that's what bugs me.
I'm not pointing fingers at either side when it comes to that. I've been around here long enough..flown a number of races....on either side of "the fence" in major campaigns. I think I have a pretty good idea of what the people who play this game are like because I've flown with and against them all. I know that each side has it's good guys and bad guys. I know that no race or team has the market cornered on good sports or bad sports.
I can't speak for everyone, but I'm very empathetic about the plight of others in this game. I think that's mainly because I've been in just about every position imaginable during the past four years or so. I've been on teams that have been severely outnumbered and outgunned. I've been on teams that enjoyed significant advantages in both. I've been somewhere between. There once was a time when I was considered one of the better PvP players and now I think I'm basically average. I have my brilliant games and my totally underwhelming games. I just fly so little PvP these days because of family constraints that I'm out of practice.
I don't know about anyone else, but I have never liked a route that I didn't earn. It takes the fun out of it for me. I can OFTEN be found switching sides in campaigns with player balance problems. I have a VERY long history of doing this. I do it quietly, most of the time...usually letting only a few know that I've done so. I do this out of empathy for the disadvantaged side. I take zero joy in beating a team that either can't or won't show up.
I've been on record several times in the past as saying there isn't much wrong with this game that can't be fixed by ensuring the teams are even or handicapping the scoring to compensate for any issues regarding player number balance or mission number (and speed) balance.
Even on GW3 when the Alliance was outnumbered a few times when I was on, I 'm make a comment in general chat empathizing with the Alliance or I even curtail my own playing time just so I'm not adding to the problem. Now, for whatever reason, the pendulum has swung WAY the other way and every time I log in now, the Alliance enjoys a signficant majority, morning, noon and night. Two lunchtimes in a row, I've been the only Coalition player on. Last week during the same time, it was usually 50/50. How do you guys feel? Making any changes? Talking about switching sides? Trajan told me that when he logged in last night (not sure what time) it was him and Kurok vs. a larger number of Alliiance pilots.
This in itself wouldn't be so bad if folks hadn't made a huge, public issue out the first half of GW3 and just let it run its course. The problem probably would have righted itself and we'd have had a barn-burner of a 2nd week. As it is, one side has gotten more players, but the other side is quitting in droves because of the bad feelings generated by some of the recent public posts and other server drama.
I tell ya....this game (D2) is almost unplayable. I still love playing it but so much junk happens during every campaign that it just kills the fun. I can already tell how the balance of GW3 is gonna go. It almost can't get over quick enough.
So yeah...I do feel the same way you do regarding the big picture...no worries there. You can't say I don't empathize with the other side, man...I didn't spend a significant amount of time, effort and money to get a Fed player the materials to play on GW3 because I don't care.
Let me know the first time you see me crow about any kind of victory. I'm the kind of guy that gets embarrassed a bit by victories and compliments.